The numbering is obscure, but Mercer "chronometer makers of the worls" lists 2230/2310 for 1906.

clockclub

08-19-2010, 01:27 AM

Can a company was so productive, because number 27822 dated 1918 year?
http://www.antiques-marine.com/chronometers/1229/

Oled

08-19-2010, 02:06 AM

Hi Igor! That's what I've found about this maker. Sorry - no dating information since not so much is available about their chronometers:

"Heath & Co. was founded by George Heath (c1801-1872) in Erith, Kent. In 1845 he identified himself as a nautical instrument maker. Two of his sons are said to have later taken over the business there. He apparently had sons named Frederick, George, Charles, John and Thomas. About 1850 George Heath went to live at Crayford, Kent. For some years he appears in records as living in Crayford, although his business, first as a grocer then as an instrument maker, remained at Erith until at least 1858. The first reference to business activities at Crayford is in 1870, when he is shown as both private resident (as previously) and as an instrument maker. In 1874 his name is not found in the directory, but the firm of Heath and Co. takes the place of his personal entry. Frederick Thomas Heath and George William Heath, presumably two sons that lead the business, are listed as private residents in Crayford. Somewhat in the beginning of 1900-s they adopted the "Hezzanith" trademark (related to Hezzanith Observatory in London), and used it on nearly all instruments and in their patents. The Heath three ring frame design Hezzanith sextant is likely the most numerous ever produced, and can still be found in great quantity today.

In 1926 after retirement of George William Heath there was an amalgamation of Heath & Co. and W.E. Stanley of London. Firm was still in business in 1960s."

Actually "the Heath name was synonymous with quality from the earliest days of the London scientific instrument trade. The Thomas Heath firm, and its predecessor's operations date back to 1720 when Thomas Heath began making instruments on the Strand in London. Many people associated with the family firm went on to become prominent instrument makers in their own right. Such men as Adams, Troughton, and Watkins worked there for a time before embarking on their own."

BR,
Oleg

PS It looks like they used "Hezzanith" trademark from around 1900 to 1950-s, so your chronometer is from that era.

Richard Watkins

08-19-2010, 05:26 AM

Can a company was so productive, because number 27822 dated 1918 year?
http://www.antiques-marine.com/chronometers/1229/

Mercers numbers are "strange"! The numbering may reflect the numbering of the company supplying the movements. Heath, like many others, probably had chronometers made for him.